Nemesis Ale 2010

December 3, 2010
At 100 IBUs, a hoppy aroma jumps right off the top of Nemesis Ale. It's chewy and viscous but not as resiny as your average hop bomb. The sweetness of the roasted malt gives curbs the bitterness. Molasses and dried fruit come through at the finish. This beer from Founders Brewing Co. lies at the crossroads where a double IPA meets a barley wine (it's 12 percent). I suppose it could be classified as a black IPA? Imperial Russian Stout? You never know what you are going to get with this once-a-year beer, but you know it is going to be good. -->

Pours black with a thin head that quickly dissipates. At 100 IBUs, a hoppy aroma jumps right off the top of Nemesis Ale. It’s chewy and viscous but not as resiny as your average hop bomb. The sweetness of the roasted malt gives curbs the bitterness. Molasses and dried fruit come through at the finish. This beer from Founders Brewing Co. lies at the crossroads where a double IPA meets a barley wine (it’s 12 percent). I suppose it could be classified as a black IPA? Imperial Russian Stout? You never know what you are going to get with this once-a-year beer, but you know it is going to be good.

After hearing much hype on this beer I shelled out the $20 for 4. It was good, but didn’t live up to the hype. I think you could spend the money more wisely on similar brews. Still a bid Founders fan, tho.